Move Your Body… Outdoors!
Is there anything better than stepping outside with your morning coffee in hand and taking a deep breath of fresh air as you hear the birds chirping and see the floral blooming? No? We didn’t think so either.
Peninsula College of Medicine compared the effects of outdoor exercise to indoor exercise and found that most trials of outdoor exercise showed an improvement in mental well-being. Specifically, exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement with others, lessening tension, confusion, anger and depression. Those who participated in the study also reported that they enjoyed and felt more satisfied with outdoor activity and felt more inclined to repeat the practice.
With that said, the common term, “the great outdoors,” starts to make a lot of sense. Combining the effects of nature and exercise makes a beautiful, powerful tool – one that is simply good for our health.
Here are some other ways moving your body outside is good for your health:
Being outside can improve your immune system. This is because of that powerful vitamin D! When you breathe in fresh air, you are exposing yourself to the sun, thus increasing your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is important for fighting inflammation and giving your immune system the ability to fight off pathogens.
Nature can help make a difficult workout feel easier. A 2021 study found that exercising outdoors increased participants’ motivation, making it feel less intimidating. Specifically, it looked at inactive individuals who alternated exercise indoors and outdoors. The findings were that they felt significantly less stressed and enjoyed themselves so much more outdoors.
Outdoor movement may help you exercise more consistently. A 2015 clinical trial observed the differences between indoor and outdoor exercise routines. Both groups did the same routine for 12 weeks, but one group did it indoors and one outdoors. The latter group was associated with significantly higher “exercise adherence,” which is the term used to describe how well someone is sticking to their exercise program and more likely to return to it consistently.
Deepens connections with others. Ever wonder why having a difficult conversation on a walk outside feels easier than having it inside, sitting down? This is because our brain is more alert while we are in fresh air and moving. On top of that, being in nature can ease your subconscious when it comes to being concerned about body language or eye contact. In other words, a walk and talk can be a powerful way to connect with another person!
Moving your body outdoors does not always have to be a “boot camp” kind of situation. You can find fun, gentle, and realistic activities that will bring you the same benefits.
Here are just a few ways to incorporate the great outdoors and move your body towards a happier, more energized, healthier, YOU!
Host an outdoor dinner party
Walk / Hike (AllTrails is a great app to check out the areas around you!)
Head to the local park for a game of pickle ball, basketball, tennis, or a jog.
Swim in a natural water source! (Or an outdoor pool)
Take your indoor workout outdoors
Yoga in the park
Here’s to moving toward health this summer!
XO,
Mel and Mel
